WBAL-TV 11's sister station in Boston, WCVB, reported that Datar was born in western Massachusetts and grew up in northern New Jersey.

Joe Gleason, who did not identify his relationship to the family, spoke on their behalf and asked for privacy.

"We are devastated by the loss of our wonderful daughter, who's doing the work she loves. We have no further comment at this time and ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you," Gleason said.

Datar's brother, Sanjeev Datar, released a statement Friday night saying, "We are devastated that Anita is gone. Anita was one of the kindest and most generous people we know."

Through the State Department, the family also released a statement, saying: "We are devastated that Anita is gone -- it's unbelievable to us that she has been killed in this senseless act of violence and terrorism. Anita was one of the kindest and most generous people we know. She loved her family and her work tremendously. Everything she did in her life she did to help others -- as a mother, public health expert, daughter, sister and friend. And while we are angry and saddened that she has been killed, we know that she would want to promote education and healthcare to prevent violence and poverty at home and abroad, not intolerance."

U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski released a statement, saying: "I am truly heartbroken to learn that Ms. Anita Datar from Takoma Park, Maryland was killed in the heinous attack on the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali. This is a terrible tragedy. I join the people of Maryland and the nation in expressing my deepest condolences to Ms. Datar’s family and loved ones, in particular her son."

"Ms. Datar dedicated her life to improving the conditions of others all around the world. Her humanitarian service stands in stark contrast to dark actions of the attackers who perpetrated this senseless violence. Ms. Datar embodied and displayed the best of American values."

"My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all those affected by this terrible terrorist attack."

U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-District 8, released a statement, saying: "Our hearts break at the loss of Anita Datar, whose good deeds made the world a better place. I offer my deepest condolences to her family and friends. Anita’s kindness will live on through her lifetime of work for others -- from her service in the Peace Corps, to the nonprofit she founded to improve access to women’s health care, to her distinguished career in international development. We should honor her work and her ultimate sacrifice by rededicating ourselves to the pursuit of a more free, compassionate, and just world.”

The attack happened at a Radisson Hotel in Bamako, Mali, when heavily armed extremists burst into the upscale hotel, firing in all directions.

At one point, more than 100 people were held hostage. The terrorists released those who could prove they're Muslim by reciting passages from the Koran. They were freed after a dramatic assault by government forces supported by U.S. and French special forces.

Mali's government announced a 10-day state of emergency and a three-day period of mourning that will begin on Monday.